Item of luggage with a fold-out tray

ABSTRACT

An item of luggage includes a first handle rod, the first handle rod having a proximal end and a distal end, a grip coupled to the distal end of the first handle rod, a fold-out tray including a main panel, the main panel having a distal end, a proximal end, and a work surface, and a connector coupled to the proximal end of the main panel, the connector permitting the fold-out tray to be rotated between a first position in which the work surface is substantially parallel to the first handle rod and a second position in which the work surface is substantially perpendicular to the first handle rod.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The device and methods disclosed herein relate generally to luggage, andparticularly to fold-out trays for luggage.

BACKGROUND ART

Many people choose to use suitcases with extension handles whentraveling. The extension handles make it possible to tow luggage behindthe user rather than carrying the luggage in hand or using shoulderstraps. The result is less strain and exertion for the user,particularly where the luggage in question has wheels. Currentlyexistent extension handles, however, can be somewhat unwieldy to grip,and provide mobility that is less than ideal. Current designs also failto take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the additionalstructure that extension handles represent for use with accessories.

Therefore, there remains a need for a luggage with more ergonomicextension handles having more features for user convenience.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In one aspect, an item of luggage includes a first handle rod having aproximal end and a distal end. A grip is coupled to the distal end ofthe first handle rod. The item of luggage also includes a fold-out tray,the fold-out tray having a main panel having a distal end, a proximalend, and a work surface. A connector attached to the proximal end of themain panel permits the tray to be rotated between a first positionsubstantially parallel to the first handle rod and a second positionsubstantially perpendicular to the first handle rod.

Other aspects, embodiments and features of the disclosed device andmethod will become apparent from the following detailed description ofthe invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures. The accompanying figures are for schematic purposes and are notintended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical orsubstantially similar component that is illustrated in various figuresis represented by a single numeral or notation at its initial drawingdepiction. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled inevery figure. Nor is every component of each embodiment of the deviceand method is shown where illustration is not necessary to allow thoseof ordinary skill in the art to understand the device and method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preceding summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe disclosed device and method, will be better understood when read inconjunction with the attached drawings. It should be understood that theinvention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of acollapsible suitcase;

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of acollapsible suitcase;

FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of acollapsible suitcase;

FIG. 1D is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of acollapsible suitcase;

FIG. 1E is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of acollapsible suitcase;

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating step in collapsing anembodiment of a collapsible suitcase;

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating step in collapsing anembodiment of a collapsible suitcase;

FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating step in collapsing anembodiment of a collapsible suitcase;

FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram illustrating step in collapsing anembodiment of a collapsible suitcase;

FIG. 2E is a schematic diagram illustrating step in collapsing anembodiment of a collapsible suitcase;

FIG. 2F is a schematic diagram illustrating step in collapsing anembodiment of a collapsible suitcase;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of asupplemental support mechanism used in a collapsible suitcase;

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating an exterior covering of anembodiment of a collapsible suitcase;

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating an exterior covering of anembodiment of a collapsible suitcase;

FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram illustrating an exterior covering of anembodiment of a collapsible suitcase;

FIG. 4D is a schematic diagram illustrating an exterior covering of anembodiment of a collapsible suitcase;

FIG. 4E is a schematic diagram illustrating a detail of a lid of anembodiment of a collapsible suitcase;

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle attached to an item of luggage;

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle usable with an item of luggage;

FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram illustrating on embodiment of anextension handle usable with an item of luggage.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle usable with an item of luggage;

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle usable with an item of luggage;

FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle usable with an item of luggage;

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with a pocket;

FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with a fold-out tray;

FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with a fold-out tray;

FIG. 7D is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with a fold-out tray;

FIG. 7E is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with a fold-out tray;

FIG. 7F is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with a fold-out tray;

FIG. 7G is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with a fold-out tray;

FIG. 7H is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with a fold-out tray;

FIG. 7I is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with a fold-out tray, showing a perspective view of thetop side of the tray with a slide member;

FIG. 7J is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with a fold-out tray, as seen from the front edge ofthe tray;

FIG. 7K is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with a fold-out tray, with a view of the underside ofthe tray and a slide member;

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with an engagement latch;

FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with an engagement latch;

FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with an engagement latch;

FIG. 8D is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with an engagement latch;

FIG. 8E is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle with an engagement latch;

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle incorporated in a chamber;

FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle incorporated in a chamber;

FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle incorporated in a chamber;

FIG. 9D is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle incorporated in a chamber;

FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle attached to an item of luggage;

FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle attached to an item of luggage;

FIG. 10C is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anextension handle attached to an item of luggage; and

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of the disclosedmethod for collapsing a collapsible suitcase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the disclosed suitcase provide travelers with an easilyfoldable suitcase that is compact when collapsed and rigid andprotective when deployed. In some embodiments, the collapsed form of thedisclosed suitcase may easily be carried as a satchel, stowed in otherluggage items, or stored in a closet for future use. Some embodimentsalso include a uniquely ergonomic handle for pulling wheeledembodiments, as well as additional pockets for storage and trays tosupport electronic devices and books for work or entertainment.

FIGS. 1A-1E depict some embodiments of a collapsible suitcase 100. FIGS.2A-2F illustrate the steps involved in collapsing some embodiments ofthe suitcase 100; in some embodiments, unfolding or deploying thesuitcase involves reversing the steps illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2F. As anoverview, some embodiments of the collapsible suitcase 100 include arigid bottom panel 101, a rigid rear panel 102 connected to the bottompanel 101 by means of at least one rear hinge 103, two side panels 104each connected to the bottom panel by means of at least one side hinge105, and one front panel 106 connected to the bottom panel 101 by meansof at least one front hinge 107.

Viewing FIGS. 1A and 1B in further detail, in some embodiments thebottom panel 101 has an interior surface 108, and an exterior surface109. The bottom panel 101 may be any shape conducive to its use asdescribed herein. The bottom panel 101 may be substantially polygonal;for instance, the bottom panel 101 may be substantially square. Thebottom panel 101 may be a substantially regular polygon. The bottompanel 101 may be substantially an irregular polygon; for instance, thebottom panel 101 may be rectangular. The bottom panel 101 may betrapezoidal. The bottom panel 101 may be substantially a combination ofpolygons. As an example bottom panel 101 may be describable in as acombination of variously sized and formed triangles. The bottom panel101 may be curved. The bottom panel 101 may be elliptical. The bottompanel 101 may be circular. The bottom panel 101 may be a more complexcurved form, such as a bent or irregular ellipse. The bottom panel 101may be any combination of curved and polygonal forms; for instance, thebottom panel 101 may be rectangular with rounded corners. The bottompanel 101 may be a parabola truncated by at least one straight line. Thebottom panel 101 may have indentations in its perimeter. The bottompanel 101 may have protrusions from its perimeter. In some embodiments,the bottom panel 101 is substantially quadrilateral; the bottom panel101 may, for instance, be a rectangle, trapezoid, or parallelogram withsharp, squared, or rounded corners. In some embodiments, the bottompanel 101 has a rear edge 110. The bottom panel 101 may have a frontedge 111. The bottom panel 101 may have two side edges 112. In someembodiments, the bottom panel has additional edges.

The bottom panel may be constructed of any material or combination ofmaterials that make the bottom panel rigid. In some embodiments, thebottom panel 101 is rigid if the bottom panel 101 exhibits only smallamounts of displacement relative to the size of the bottom panel 101when forces typical for the operation of a suitcase act against theinterior 108 or exterior 109 surface of the bottom panel 101. Forinstance, if the suitcase 100 is in its deployed form, as set forth infurther detail below, and a person leans on the middle of the exteriorsurface 109 for support, the person may feel the bottom panel 101 flexonly slightly; in some embodiments, the person may be incapable ofdetecting any displacement of the bottom panel at all. The bottom panel101 may be constructed of materials including wood. The bottom panel 101may be constructed of materials including plywood. The bottom panel 101may be constructed of materials including metal. The bottom panel 101may be constructed of materials including hard plastic, such asthermosetting plastics, hard thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride(PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polytetraflouroethylene, orhard polypropylene. The bottom panel 101 may be constructed of materialsincluding natural polymers. The bottom panel 101 may include one or morelayers of flexible material around the rigid material. The flexiblematerial may include cloth, rubber, or other flexible polymers; theflexible material may be any material suitable for the construction ofthe exterior cover 400 as described in further detail below. The bottompanel 101 may be composed wholly or in part of flexible materialstretched over a rigid frame or mesh. The bottom panel 101 may becomposed wholly or partially of fiberglass.

The rear panel 102 may be constructed of any materials or combination ofmaterials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel 101. Therear panel 102 may be any shape suitable for the shape of the bottompanel 101. In some embodiments, the rear panel 102 has an interiorsurface 113, an exterior surface 114, a top edge 115, two side edges116, and a bottom edge 117. The at least one rear hinge 103 may allowthe rear panel 102 to be rotated between a folded position in which theinterior surface 113 of the rear panel is substantially parallel to theinterior surface 108 of the bottom panel 101, as shown below in FIG. 2E,and a deployed position in which the interior surface 113 of the rearpanel 102 is substantially perpendicular to the interior surface 108 ofthe bottom panel 101.

The two side panels 104 may be constructed of any materials orcombination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottompanel 101. Each side panel 104 may be any shape suitable for the shapeof the bottom panel 101. In some embodiments, each side panel 104 has aninterior surface 118, an exterior surface 119, a top edge 120, a rearedge 121, a front edge 122, and a bottom edge 123. The at least one sidehinge 105 may allow each side panel 104 to be rotated between a foldedposition in which the interior surface 118 of the side panel 104 issubstantially parallel to the interior surface 108 of the bottom panel101, as shown below in FIGS. 2C-2D, and a deployed position in which theinterior surface 118 of the side panel 104 is substantiallyperpendicular to the interior surface 108 of the bottom panel 101.

The front panel 106 may be constructed of any materials or combinationof materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel 101. Thefront panel 106 may be any shape suitable for the shape of the bottompanel 101. In some embodiments, the front panel 106 has an interiorsurface 124, an exterior surface 125, a top edge 126, two side edges127, and a bottom edge 128. The at least one front hinge 107 may allowthe front panel 106 to be rotated between a folded position in which theinterior surface 124 of the front panel 106 is substantially parallel tothe interior surface 108 of the bottom panel 101, as shown below in FIG.2B, and a deployed position in which the interior surface 124 of thefront panel 106 is substantially perpendicular to the interior surface108 of the bottom panel 101.

In one embodiment, the suitcase 100 includes at least one latch 128 thatsecures the front edge 122 of at least one of the side panels 104 to thefront panel 106 when the at least one side panel 104 is in deployedposition and the front panel 106 is rotated into deployed position. Theat least one latch 128 may be constructed of any material or combinationof materials suitable for the construction of the bottom panel 101. Theat least one latch 128 may have one component attached to one or bothside edges 127 of the front panel, and a second component attached toone or both front edges 122 of the side panel 104. The at least onelatch 128 may be formed to engage automatically when the front panel 106is rotated into deployed position between the deployed side panels. As anon-limiting example, the at least one latch 128 may have aspring-biased bolt with an angled end that causes the bolt to retractslightly when an object presses against the bolt in a directionsubstantially orthogonal to the direction in which the bolt moves, andto be urged back into an extended position in the absence of externalpressure, as in a tubular latch for a door. Persons skilled in the artwill be aware of many other latches designed to engage automatically.The at least one latch 128 may have a component that enables the user toengage or disengage the at least one latch 128 manually; for instance,the at least one latch 128 may engage automatically when the front panel106 is swung into deployed position between the two side panels, andremain engaged until a user disengages the at least one latch 128manually; for instance, as shown in FIG. 2A, the user may disengage eachlatch 128 prior to folding down the front panel 106 to commencecollapsing the suitcase 100. In some embodiments, at least oneadditional latch (not shown) secures one or both side panels 104 to therear panel 102 when the rear panel 102 is in deployed position and theone or more side panels 104 are rotated into deployed position.

In some embodiments of the suitcase, 100, at least one side edge of therear panel includes at least one first engagement member 129, and therear edge of at least one side panel has a second engagement member 130that slidably engages the first engagement member 129, fixing the sidepanel 104 to the rear panel 102, when the rear panel 102 is already indeployed position and the side panel 104 is rotated into deployedposition. As an example, one or both of the side edges 116 of the rearpanel 102 have one or more protrusions 131 in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the interior surface 113 of the rear panel 102; the oneor more protrusions 131 may extend from the top edge 115 to the bottomedge 117 of the rear panel 102. Continuing the example, the one or moreprotrusions 131 may have at least one indentation or slot 129 positionedto engage a corresponding member 130 slidably. Further continuing theexample, the rear edge 121 of at least one side panel may have at leastone protrusion or tab 130 that slide into the at least one indentationor slot 129 in the at least one protrusion 131 when the rear panel 102and each side panel 104 are in their unfolded positions. The mutuallyengaging members may secure the side panels 104 to the rear panel 102;the side panels 104 may be further secured in the deployed position bythe at least one latch 128 securing the side panels 104 to the frontpanel 106, causing the suitcase 100 to present a solid and rigid bodywhen fully deployed. For instance, the front panel 106 may prevent theside panels 104 from rotating out of their deployed positions when thefront panel 106 is in its deployed position, causing the engagementmembers 129, 130 to secure the rear panel in its deployed position, andlending rigidity to the connection between the rear panel 102 and theside panels 104

The hinges 103, 105, 107 may be constructed of any material orcombination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottompanel 101. The hinges 103, 105, 107 may have progressively largerclearances so that when the panels are folded in a certain order, eachpanel can rest on top of the previously folded panels in its foldedposition, substantially parallel to the top surface 108 of the bottompanel 101. For instance, in some embodiments, the at least one fronthinge 107 has a first clearance permitting the interior surface 124 ofthe front panel 106 to rest on the interior surface 108 of the bottompanel 101 when the front panel 106 is in folded position, as shown inFIG. 2B; for instance, the at least one front hinge 107 may have a pivotpoint 107 a at or very close to the juncture of the bottom edge 128 ofthe front panel 106 and the front edge 111 of the bottom panel 101. Theat least one side hinge 105 of each side panel 104 may have a largerclearance to fit the side panel 104 over the front panel 106 when thefront panel 106 is in its folded position; for instance, each of the atleast one side hinges 105 may have a second clearance sufficientlylarger than the first clearance to allow the interior surface 118 of theside panels 104, when in folded position, to rest on top of the exteriorsurface 125 of the front panel 106 when the front panel 106 is in foldedposition. As an example, the pivot 105 a of the least one side hinge 105a may be offset from the junction of the bottom edge 123 of each sidepanel 104 and the corresponding side edge 112 of the bottom panel 101;the offset may be substantially the same as the thickness of the frontpanel 106. In some embodiments, the two side panels overlap each otherin folded position; in that case, one of the two side panels may have ahinge with a third clearance (not shown) permitting the interior surface118 of that side panel 104, when in folded position, to rest on top ofthe exterior surface 119 of the other side panel 104 when the other sidepanel 104 is in folded position. For instance, the offset of the hingeof one side panel 104 may be greater than the offset of the hinge of theother side panel. The at least one rear hinge 103 may have a largerclearance than that of the at side hinges 105 to fit the rear panel overthe folded side panels 104 when the rear panel 102 is moved into itsfolded position; for example, in some embodiments, the at least one rearhinge 103 has a third clearance sufficiently larger than the secondclearance to allow the interior surface 113 of the rear panel 102, whenin folded position, to rest on top of the exterior surfaces 119 of theside panels 104 when the side panels 104 are in folded position. The atleast one rear hinge 103 may have a pivot point 103 a that is furtheroffset from the juncture of the bottom edge 117 of the rear panel 101and the rear edge 110 of the bottom panel 101 than the offset of theside hinges 105. The offset may be substantially the same as thecombined thickness of the front and side panels when folded together, orslightly larger to accommodate folds of the exterior covering 400,described in further detail below. The offset of the rear hinge 103 maybe greater if the side panels 104 overlap each other when folded, asdescribed above. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2C-D, the topedges 120 of two side panels do not meet in the middle of the suitcase100 when the two side panels 104 are in folded position, resulting in agap between the two side panels' top edges 120; the rear hinge 103 mayhave a narrow central portion 103 b to allow the rear hinge to passbetween the top edges 120 of two side panels.

In some embodiments, at least one side panel 104 has at least oneprojection 132 at the front edges 122. The at least one projection 132may be substantially orthogonal to the plane of the interior surface 118of the at least one side panel 104. In some embodiments, the at leastone projection 132 allows the side edges 127 of the front panel 106 tofit snugly against the at least one projection 132 while being slightlyinset from the side edges 112 of the bottom panel 101, allowing greaterfreedom of movement for the at least one hinge 105 of the side panels104 when the side panels 104 rotate into folded position. Likewise, theat least one projection 131 of rear panel 102 may enable the rear edges122 of the side panels 104 to be slightly inset from the rear edge 111of the bottom panel 102, allowing the bottom panel 102 to swing over theside panels 104 when being rotated into folded position. The top edge126 of the front panel 106 may line up with the rear edges 122 of theside panels 104 when the front panel 106 is in folded position. Thecorners of the suitcase formed by the panels 101, 102, 104, 106 may besharp or rounded, depending on the shapes of the panels, engagementmembers, and extensions. In some embodiments, the front edge 122 atleast one of the side panels 104 has a third engagement member 134, andthe corresponding at least one side edge 127 of the front panel 106 hasa fourth engagement member 135 that slidably engages the firstengagement member 134, fixing the front panel 106 to the at least oneside panel 104, when the at least one side panel 104 is already indeployed position and the front panel 106 is rotated into deployedposition. This may be implemented as described above for the first 129and second 130 engagement members in reference to FIG. 1A.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the suitcase 100 includes oneor more additional structural elements to increase the strength of thesuitcase 100 when deployed. For example, the bottom panel 101 may haveat least one peg 300 set perpendicularly to the interior surface 108 ofthe bottom panel 101 where the bottom edge of the back panel 102, sidepanel 104, or front panel 106 contacts the interior surface 108 of thebottom panel 101 when deployed, for insertion in a corresponding hole inthe bottom edges; for instance, as shown in FIG. 3, the at least one peg300 may be located on the portion of the interior surface 108 of thebottom panel 101 where the bottom edge 117 of the rear panel 102contacts the interior surface 108 when the rear panel 102 is deployed.Some embodiments include at least one hole 301 in the bottom edge of theback panel, side panel, or front panel, the at least one hole positionedto pass over the at least one peg when the rear panel, side panel, orfront panel is rotated into deployed position. Continuing the example,the bottom edge 117 of the rear panel 102 may have at least one hole 301positioned to pass over the at least one peg 300 when the rear panel 102is rotated into deployed position.

In some embodiments, the suitcase 100 has one or more wheels 133. Insome embodiments, the suitcase 100 has a first wheel 133 at the cornerformed by the rear edge 110 of the bottom panel 101 and a side edge 112of the bottom panel 101, and a second wheel 133 at the corner formed bythe same side edge 112 of the bottom panel 101 and the front edge 111 ofthe bottom panel 101. In other embodiments, the suitcase has four ormore wheels. The wheels 133 may be oriented in a fixed directionrelative to the suitcase 100. The wheels 133 may be mounted on pivots;for instance, the suitcase 100 may have four wheels attached to thecorners of the bottom panel 101, a side panel 104, the front panel 106or the rear panel 102. The one more or wheels 133 may be constructed ofany material or combination of materials suitable for the constructionof the bottom panel 101.

In some embodiments, the suitcase 100 has an exterior covering 400. Insome embodiments, the exterior cover 400 is flexible. The exterior cover400 may be constructed entirely of flexible materials. The exteriorcover may 400 may include one or more rigid portions; for instance, theexterior cover 400 may include one or more rigid panels (not shown)joined to one another. The rigid panels may be joined by flexiblesections; for instance, the rigid panels may be joined by strips orsections of flexible material (not shown); the rigid panels may becontained in pockets in a flexible material covering the entire externalcovering 400. The rigid panels may be constructed of any material orcombination of materials suitable for the construction of the bottompanel 101. In some embodiments, the exterior cover 400 is made wholly orin part of flexible material. The flexible material may be textilematerial; the textile material may include natural fibers. The naturalfibers may include plant material, such as cotton, linen, hemp, ormanila hemp; for example, the flexible material may be a woven productsuch as canvas. The natural fibers may include animal fibers such aswool or silk. The flexible material may include synthetic fibers,including fibers made from synthetic polymers, such as nylon andpolypropylene. The flexible material may include fibers made fromnatural materials, such as rayon. The flexible material may includeleather. The flexible material may include one or more sheets of naturalpolymers, such as rubber. The flexible material may include one or moresheets of synthetic polymers, such as flexible plastics.

In some embodiments, the flexible material is flexible along one axis,but not along another. For instance, the flexible material may includemany closely-placed thin but long rigid substantially parallel strips orrods stuck to a flexible material, with sufficient space between thestrips or rods to allow the material to flex along an axis substantiallyparallel to the strips; the strips or rods may prevent the flexiblematerial from bending along any axis having a substantial componentorthogonal to the direction of the strips or rods. The strips or rodsmay be rigid as defined above in for the bottom panel 101 in referenceto FIGS. 1A-2F.

The exterior covering may include a first portion 400 a fixed to theexterior surface 119 of each side panel 106 and connecting the frontedges 122 of the two side panels to each other, so that the exteriorsurface 125 of the front panel 106 rests against the first portion 400 awhen the front panel 106 is in deployed position; in other words, thefirst portion 400 a of the exterior covering 400 may wrap around thefront and sides of the suitcase 100. In one embodiment, the exteriorcover 400 or any portions thereof may be fixed to the exterior surfaceof a panel if the exterior cover 400 covers substantially all of theexterior surface of the panel both when the panel is folded anddeployed; the exterior cover may be adhered or fastened to the exteriorsurface of the panel. The exterior cover may have a pocket or sleevecontaining the panel; the panel may be sewn between layers of theexterior cover 400. The first portion 400 a may have a first perimeteredge 401 against the bottom edge 123 of both of the side panels 104 andagainst the front edge 111 of the bottom panel 101 and a secondperimeter edge 402 against the rear edge 121 of each side panel 104, thetop edge 120 of each side panel, and the top edge 126 of the front panel106 when the front panel 106 is in deployed position. The exteriorcovering 400 may include a second portion 400 b fixed to the exteriorsurface 109 of the bottom panel 109 and fixed to the exterior surface114 of the rear panel 102. In some embodiments, the second portion 400 bmay have a first perimeter edge 403 fixed to the first perimeter edge401 of the first portion 400 a, a second perimeter edge 404 against oneside edge 116 of the rear panel 102, and a third perimeter edge 405against the other side edge 116 of the rear panel 102. The first portion400 a and second portion 400 b may or may not represent the physicalsections assembled to create the exterior covering 400 in practice. Insome embodiments, the first portion 400 a and second portion 400 b aremade separately and fixed together, for instance by sewing the firstperimeter edge 401 of the first portion 400 a to the first perimeteredge 403 of the second portion 400 b. In other embodiments, the exteriorcovering 400 is made of more sections attached together by sewing orother means; the divisions between sections may not correspond todivisions between the second portion 400 b and the first portion 400 a.In some embodiments, the exterior covering is constructed as amonolithic whole; for instance, the exterior covering 400 may be made asa cross-shaped sheet with its center sized to cover the exterior surface109 of the bottom panel, and arms sized to cover the side panels 104,rear panel 102, and front panel 106, to be sewn or otherwise attachedtogether at the corner of the front panel 106 with the side panels 104.Persons skilled in the art will be aware of other methods ofconstruction and design that may be substituted for those described hereto create the exterior covering 400 as described herein. In someembodiments, where the exterior covering 400 is flexible around only oneset of parallel axes, the axes are arranged in the first portion 400 ain a direction running from the bottom edge to the top edge of each sidepanel and the front panel. In some embodiments, the exterior covering400 near to a hinge is flexible along an axis parallel to the axis ofrotation of that hinge.

In some embodiments, the second portion 400 b includes a lid 406 thatmay be folded to a closed position covering an opening in the suitcase100 bordered by the top edge 115 of the rear panel 102, the top edge 120of each side panel 104 and the top edge 126 of the front panel 106, whenthe rear panel 102, the side panels 104, and the front panel 106 are indeployed position. The lid 406 may have any shape sufficient to coverthe opening. The lid 406 may be secured to the opening by a zipper 407.The zipper 407 may have a first half 407 a that covers the secondperimeter 402 of the first portion 400 a and a second half 407 bcovering the second perimeter edge 404 of the second portion 400 b, aportion of the lid 406 that contacts the second perimeter 403 of thefirst portion 400 a when the lid 406 is in the closed position, and thethird perimeter edge 405 of the second portion. Thus, the zipper 407 mayrun up one side edge 116 of the rear panel 202, along the top edge 120of the adjacent side panel 104, along the edge of the first portion 400a that is adjacent to the top edge 126 of the front panel 106, along thetop edge 120 of the next side panel 104, and back down the second sideedge 116 of the rear panel 102. As a result, the zipper 407 may functionboth to secure the lid 406 in a closed position and to secure the secondperimeter edge 404 and third perimeter edge 405 of the second portion400 b to the second perimeter edge 402 of the first portion 400 a. Insome embodiments, the zipper 407 adds additional strength to thesuitcase 100 when the zipper 407 is closed. In some embodiments, thezipper 407 has two sliders 408 a-b; as a result, the lid 406 may bedisengaged from the opening of the suitcase 100 and opened, while theportions of the zipper 407 holding together the second 404 and third 405perimeter edges of the second portion 400 b to the second perimeter edge402 of the first portion 400 a remain fastened. The zipper 407 may beany form of slide fastener. In other embodiments, at least onealternative fastener is used to hold the second 404 and third 405perimeter edges of the second portion 400 b to the second perimeter edge402 of the first portion. The at least one alternative fastener may beany set of fasteners that fastens the second 404 and third 405 perimeteredges of the second portion 400 b to the second perimeter edge 402 ofthe first portion 400 a, including without limitation hook-and-loopfasteners, snaps, buttons, buckles, and ties.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2E, the lid 406 includes at leastone rigid panel 200 a-c. The at least one rigid panel 200 a-c may causethe lid 406 to present a substantially rigid surface when closed,according to the definition of rigidity described above for the bottompanel 101 in reference to FIGS. 1A-1E. In some embodiments, the at leastone rigid panel further includes a first panel 200 a and a second panel200 b separated by a flexible portion 201, so that the lid 406 may bewrapped around the suitcase 100 when the front panel 106, side panels104, and rear panels 102 are in folded position, as shown in FIG. 2F. Insome embodiments, the lid 406 includes at least one fastener 202 thatfastens the lid 406 to the second portion 400 b at the exterior surface109 of the bottom panel 101 of the suitcase 100 when the lid 406 iswrapped around the suitcase 100. The at least one fastener 202 may beany fastener suitable for fastening one surface to another, includingbut not limited to a hook-and-loop fastener, a buckle such as aslide-release buckle, tension lock, or frame buckle, a snap, a button,or a tie. In some embodiments, the at least one fastener 202 alsofastens the lid 406 to the first portion 400 a at the exterior surface125 of the front panel 106 when the lid 406 is in the closed positionand the front panel 106, is in deployed position.

In some embodiments, as is shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, each of the distancefrom the top edge 115 of the rear panel 102 to the to the interiorsurface 108 of the bottom panel 101 and the distance from the top edge126 of the front panel 106 to the interior surface 108 of the bottompanel 101 is less than the distance from the top edge 120 of each sidepanel 104 to the interior surface 108 of the bottom panel 101, and theat least one rigid panel 200 a-c of the lid 406 includes a central panel200 b that has a front edge 203 and a rear edge 204, occupying aposition at the height of the top edges 120 of the two side panels 104and substantially parallel to the interior surface 108 of the bottompanel 101 when the lid 406 is in its closed position, a forward panel200 c that slants down from the front edge 203 of the central panel 200b to the top edge 126 of the front panel 106 when the lid is in theclosed position, and a back panel 200 a that slants down from the backedge 204 of the central panel to the top edge 115 of the rear panel 102when the lid is in the closed position. The suitcase may include one ormore slanting top edges 136 that connect the higher top edges 120 of theside panels 104 to the lower top edges 115, 126 of the front panel 106and the rear panel 102. The forward 200 c and back 200 b panels of thelid 406 may rest on the slanting top edges 136 when the lid 406 isclosed. In some embodiments, the joint between the back panel 200 c andthe central panel 200 a is in a state of elastic equilibrium when thelid 406 is in a closed position; as a result the joint is 201 is biasedto allow the lid 406 to fold over the suitcase 100 with less resistancewhen the suitcase 100 is in its collapsed position. As an example, wherethe lid 406 is made up of two flexible layers with the central panel 200b, back panel 200 a, and front panel 200 c sandwiched between the twoflexible layers, the flexible layer that faces the interior surface ofthe bottom panel when the lid 406 is in its closed position may have aslightly smaller surface area than the flexible layer that is on top ofthe suitcase 100 when the lid 406 is in its closed position.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4E and 1B, the lid 406 includesat least one projection 409 that rests against at least one of theinterior surface 113 of the rear panel 102, the interior surface 118 ofat least one side panel 104, or the interior surface 124 of the frontpanel 106 when the lid 406 is in the closed position. In someembodiments, the at least one projection 409 is a lip or ledge extendingdownward from the underside of the lid 406. The lip or ledge may beparallel to the edge of the lid 406. In some embodiments, the lip orledge extends for the length of each of the interior surface 113 of therear panel 102, the interior surface 118 of each of the side panels 104,and the interior surface 124 of the front panel 106. In otherembodiments, the lip or ledge extends for the length of each of theinterior surface 118 of each of the side panels 104, and the interiorsurface 124 of the front panel 106. In additional embodiments, the lipor ledge extends for the length of the interior surface 124 of the frontpanel 106. In additional embodiments, the lip or ledge extends for thelength of the interior surface 118 of at least one of the side panels104. In other embodiments, the lip or ledge extends for the length ofthe interior surface 113 of the rear panel 102. The lip or ledge maycover only part of the length of the interior surface of one or morepanels; as a non-limiting example, the at least one projection 409 mayinclude one lip or ledge that rests against a part of the interiorsurface 118 of one side panel 104 and a second lip or ledge that restsagainst a part of the interior surface 118 of the other side panel. Insome embodiments, the at least one projection 409 adds strength andstability to the suitcase 100 when the lid 406 is closed, by bracingagainst the interior surface of one or more panels. The at least oneprojection 406 may have any shape that accomplishes that purpose,including one or more dowels, wedges, or tabs.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate one embodiment of an extension handle 500 to beused with an item of luggage. Although FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate anembodiment of an extension handle with a piece of luggage, the disclosedembodiments may be used with any other item that would benefit fromhaving an extension handle. Examples of such other items include, butare not limited to, items that have wheels and that are used for movingobjects, such as carts (e.g., luggage carts), platforms, pallets, andhand trucks. The disclosed embodiments may also be used with items thatdo not have wheels, such as, for example, step-ladders. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B, the extension handle 500 includesa handle portion 500 a, which includes at least one handle rod, a firsthandle rod 501, having a proximal end 502 and a distal end 503. When theextension handle 500 is in an extended position, the proximal end 502 ofthe first handle rod 501 is closer to the item of luggage than is thedistal end 503. In some embodiments, the handle portion 500 a includes asecond handle rod 504 having a proximal end 505 and a distal end 506. Insome embodiments, the extension handle 500 includes a grip 507 coupledto the distal end 503 of the first handle rod 501. It is to beunderstood that the word “coupled” means that the elements may bedirectly connected together, or they may be coupled through one or moreintervening elements. In some embodiments, the grip 507 is directlyconnected to the distal end 503 of the first handle rod 501. In someembodiments, the extension handle 500 includes a grip 507 coupled toboth the distal end 503 of the first handle rod 501 and the distal end506 of the second handle rod 504. The extension handle 500 may beattached to an item of luggage 508. The extension handle 500 may includeadditional handle rods (not shown).

The first handle rod 501, and, if present, additional handle rods, suchas the second handle rod 504, may be constructed from any material orcombination of materials that render the at least one handle rod rigidand strong enough not to flex or break when used to haul a typicalquantity of luggage or other item to which the extension handle 500 maybe attached. The materials making up the at least one handle rod,including the first handle rod 501, and, if present, additional handlerods, such as the second handle rod 504, may include metal, syntheticpolymers (e.g., plastic), natural polymers, wood, or any combination ofthese or other materials.

The at least one handle rod, including the first handle rod 501, and, ifpresent, additional handle rods, such as the second handle rod 504, maybe linear or curved, or it may have one or more portions that are linearand one or more portions that are curved. For example, the exemplaryfirst handle rod 501 illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B includes a linearportion between the proximal end 502 and the distal end 503. Asdescribed below, the distal end 503 may be attached to a bar 602, butalternatively the bar 602 can simply be a curved portion of the firsthandle rod 501 that extends from the distal end 503.

The at least one handle rod, including the first handle rod 501, and, ifpresent, additional handle rods, may be solid or hollow; for instance,the at least one handle rod may be a tube. Where the at least one handlerod is hollow, the interior space of the at least one handle rod may beformed to accommodate a latch actuator 803 as described below inconnection with FIGS. 8C-8E. The at least one handle rod may be asingle, monolithic piece, or it may be constructed of multiplecomponents connected together. In other embodiments, the at least onehandle rod includes one or more mutually movable components (not shown).In some such embodiments, the one or more mutually movable componentsmay be able to slide or pivot with respect to one another. For instance,the at least one handle rod may be incorporated in a telescoping handle,in which the at least one handle rod is slidably engaged in at least onechamber, where the at least one chamber is the interior of at least oneadditional handle rod (not shown). The at least one additional handlerod may be a stage in a telescoping handle; for instance, the at leastone additional handle rod may slide into another hollow rod, or into achamber in the luggage item or the item to which the extension handle500 is attached. The at least one additional handle rod may be aplurality of nested telescoping sections. Persons skilled in the artwill be aware that any number of such telescoping sections may be addedto the at least one handle rod. The telescoping handle may include oneor more latches (not shown) that can fix the one or more componentsrelative to each other; for instance, where the handle is telescoping,the latches may fix each telescoping section with respect to the sectionin which it is inserted, so that when a given section is pulled out intoan extended position, that section is fixed with respect to the sectionfrom which it is pulled out, making the telescoping handle substantiallyrigid until the latch is disengaged. The at least one handle rod mayhave any cross-sectional shape or combination of shapes, includingpolygons, circles, ellipses, and combined polygonal and curved shape;the cross-sectional shape may vary over the length of the at least onehandle rod. Where the at least one handle rod includes a first handlerod 501 and a second handle rod 504, the second handle rod 504 may beconstructed from any material or combination of materials suitable formaking the first handle rod 501. The second handle rod 504 may have anyform suitable for the construction of the first handle rod 501. In someembodiments, the first handle rod 501 is substantially identical to thesecond handle rod 504. In some embodiments, the second handle rod 504 issubstantially a mirror image of the first handle rod 501.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 6A, the grip 507 isconnected to the distal end 503 of the first handle rod 501 by a swivel600 that allows the grip 507 to rotate freely about a first axis; forinstance, the swivel 600 may allow the grip 507 to rotate about an axisparallel to the first handle rod 501, in the direction indicated by thearrow 201 in FIG. 5B, or in the opposite direction. In some embodimentshaving a first handle rod 501 and a second handle rod 504, the swivel600 is attached to a bar 602 joining the two handle rods 501, 504; theswivel 600 may be fixed to a point on that bar 602 that is equidistantfrom both handle rods 501, 504.

In some embodiments, the swivel 600 is omitted, and the grip 507 isdirectly connected to the first handle rod 501. For example, the grip507 may include a protrusion, such as a rod or a screw, that may beinserted through a hole (not shown) in the first handle rod 501 andjoined to a cap or nut that prevents the grip 507 from disengaging fromthe first handle rod 501 when a user pulls on the grip 507. As anotherexample, the grip 507 may include a grip-securing ridge (not shown) thatallows the grip 507 to be rotatably mounted about a retaining lip (notshown) located on the end of the first handle rod 501. In someembodiments having a first handle rod 501 and a second handle rod 504joined by a bar 602, the grip 507 can be directly connected to the bar602 in similar ways. As would be appreciated by a person having ordinaryskill in the art, there are many ways of directly attaching the grip 507to the first handle rod 501 or to a bar 602 joining the first handle rod501 to a second handle rod 504, and the examples provided herein are notintended to be limiting.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the grip 507 isattached to the distal end of the at least one handle rod by a neckportion 605. The neck portion 605 may have a first end 605 a affixed tothe handle portion 500 a and a second end 605 b affixed to the grip 507.In some embodiments, the neck portion 605 deforms elastically about arotational axis intersecting the handle portion 500 a and the grip 507when the grip 507 is rotated relative to the handle portion 500 a by auser. The axis may bisect the grip 507; rotation about the axis mayoccur in substantially the direction of rotation 606 shown in FIG. 6B,or in the opposite direction. The neck portion 605 may have a range ofmotion in two directions of rotation about the axis, such as thedirection of rotation 606 and the opposite direction of rotation. Insome embodiments, the neck portion 605 includes an elastic componentthat elastically deforms upon rotation; the elastic component may exerta recoil force tending to move the grip back to an elastically neutralposition. The elastically neutral position may be a position in whichthe grip 507 is in substantially the same plane as the handle portion500 a. The elastic portion may be a spring, such as a coiled spring. Theelastic portion may be a sleeve of elastic material, such as rubber. Theelastic portion may be a strip of elastic material. The neck portion 605may include a structural portion preventing the neck 605 from elongatingor shearing. The structural portion may be a swivel joining the grip 507to the handle portion 500 a; as a non-limiting example, the swivel mayhave a first half fixed to the grip 507 and a second half fixed to thehandle portion 500 a, with the first half and second half connectedtogether so that they rotate with respect to one another. The neckportion 605 may have a limited range of motion. The elastic portion maylimit the range of motion; for instance, the recoil force of the elasticportion may be sufficiently strong at the limit of the range of motionto prevent further rotation impelled by a typical amount of forceexerted by a user holding the grip. The elastic portion may reach thelimits of its elastically deformable range and resist furtherdeformation at the limit of the range of motion. In other embodiments,the neck portion 605 includes one or more structural elements that limitthe range of rotation of the neck portion 605. For instance, at leastone first structural element fixed to the grip 507 may engage at leastone second structural element fixed to the handle portion 500 a at eachextreme of the range of motion. In some embodiments, the range of motionpermits the grip 507 to rotate at most ninety degrees (π/2 radians) ineither direction of rotation; in other words, the range of motion maypermit the grip 507 to rotate a total of 180 degrees (n radians),between a first point 90 degrees (π/2 radians) in one direction ofrotation from the elastically neutral point, and a second point 90degrees (π/2 radians) in the other direction of rotation from theelastically neutral point.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 6, the grip 507 may have any shapeconducive to being held easily in the hand of a user. In someembodiments, the grip 507 has a top 507 a, a bottom 507 b coupled to theat least one handle rod (e.g., the first handle rod 501 and, if present,the second handle rod 504 and any other additional handle rods), a front507 c, a back 507 d, and two sides 507 e. The grip 507 may take anyshape conducive to use as a grip. In some embodiments, the grip 507takes the form of a ring; in other words, the grip 507 has a transverseopening 507 f, which is defined as an opening passing from the front 507c of the grip to the back 507 d of the grip 507, so that a user's handmay be inserted through the transverse opening between the sides 507 eof the grip 507 to take hold of the grip 507. For instance, where thegrip 507 is a toroid, the transverse opening may be the hole through thetoroid. Where the grip 507 is a ring, the grip 507 may take the form ofany ring having a transverse opening as described above. The grip 507may be, for example, a toroidal ring, a square ring, a triangular ring,or a D-ring. The exterior perimeter of a cross-section of the grip 507taken halfway between the front and the back and parallel to the planeof the front may be a regular or irregular polygon. The exteriorperimeter may contain one or more curved portions; for instance, thegrip 507 may have the form of a polygon with rounded corners, or mayhave a semicircular portion combined with a linear or polygonal portion.Where the grip 507 has a transverse opening 507 f through the grip 507,the cross-section may have an internal perimeter bordering the opening507 f. The internal perimeter may be any shape useable for the exteriorperimeter; for instance, the cross-section may have a substantiallysquare external perimeter, and a substantially square internalperimeter. The cross-section may have a substantially triangularexternal perimeter and a substantially triangular internal perimeter.The internal perimeter may be a different shape from the externalperimeter.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5C, the grip 507 has aninterior hollow portion 507 g; for instance, where the grip 507 is atoroid, the grip 507 may be a tubular toroid similar to the inner tubeof an automobile tire with an interior or lumen 507 g that describes atoroid of air. In some embodiments, an object is inside the grip when itis within the interior hollow portion 507 g of the grip 507, rather thanin the hole 507 f through the grip. An object inside the grip 507 isthus enclosed by the outer surface of the grip 507, while objects in thehole 507 f are outside of the grip. Thus, for instance, a motiontransfer ring 808 as described below in reference to FIGS. 8C-8E isinside the grip 507 if the motion transfer ring 808 is within theinterior hollow portion 507 g of the grip. In other words, the grip 507may have an exterior surface 507 h, and the interior space 507 g of thegrip may be a space substantially all of which is enclosed by theexterior surface 507 h; an object may be inside the grip if it is in aspace substantially all of which is enclosed by the exterior surface 507h.

In some embodiments, the grip 507 is substantially toroidal. Thesubstantially toroidal grip 507 may be circular or elliptical. Inembodiments in which the grip 507 is substantially toroidal, the bar 602may be in the form of an arc, allowing it to conform to the shape of thetoroidal grip 507.

In some embodiments using a swivel 600 or neck portion 605, the grip 507may have a track 603 on its exterior surface, in which the swivel 600 orneck portion 605 is slidably engaged; the swivel 600 or neck portion 605may be slidably attached to the track 603, permitting the grip 507 to berotated about a second axis, such as an axis orthogonal to the annularcross-section of the handle, about which the handle rotates in thedirection indicated by the directional arrow 604 presented in FIG. 6.For instance, in some embodiments in which the grip 507 is substantiallytoroidal, the grip 507 contains a track 603 describing a substantialcircle on the grip 507. In some embodiments, having one or two axes ofrotation about which the grip 507 can freely rotate allows the user tohold the grip 507 more naturally, with an ergonomic wrist angle.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7F, where the at least onehandle rod includes a first handle rod 501 and a second handle rod 504,the extension handle 500 includes at least one pocket 700 between thefirst handle rod 501 and the second handle rod 504. The at least onepocket 700 may have one or more flaps 701 that may be closed to securethe contents of the pocket 700 or opened to access the contents of thepocket 700. The one or more flaps 701 may be secured in their closedposition by one or more fasteners (not shown), such as a hook-and-loopfastener, a zipper, a button, a snap, Velcro®, or any other type offastener or combination of fasteners suitable to secure the contents ofthe pocket 700 when the one or more flaps 701 are closed.

In some embodiments, the extension handle 500 includes fold-out tray702. The fold-out tray 702 may include at least one rigid panel, mainpanel 703 having a distal end 704, a proximal end 705, and a worksurface 702 a. In some embodiments, the fold-out tray 702 includes aconnector 706 that enables the fold-out tray 702 to be slidably attachedto the handle portion 500 a. In other embodiments, the connector 706 isseparate from the fold-out tray 702. The connector may be any connectorthat allows the fold-out tray 702 to be slidably attached to the handleportion 500 a. Suitable connectors include, but are not limited to,hinges and ball joints. In some embodiments, the connector 706 attachesthe proximal end 705 of the main panel 703 to the handle portion 500 a(e.g., to the first handle rod 501 or, in embodiments having a firsthandle rod 501 and a second handle rod 504, to a rod or other rigidmember (not shown) connected to one or both of the first handle rod 501to a second handle rod 504). The connector 706 may permit the fold-outtray 702 to be rotated between a first position in which the worksurface 702 a of the fold-out tray 702 is substantially parallel to thefirst handle rod 501 and a second position in which the work surface 702a of the fold-out tray 702 is substantially perpendicular to the firsthandle rod 501, with the distal end 704 projecting away from the firsthandle rod 501.

In some embodiments, such as the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 7G and 7H, the connector 706 is attached to at least one mountingrod 710 of the handle portion 500 a. Where the at least one handle rodincludes a first handle rod 501 and a second handle rod 504, the atleast one mounting rod 710 may be set between the first handle rod 501and the second handle rod 504. The at least one mounting rod 710 may beoriented horizontally, vertically, or in any other orientationconvenient for attaching the fold-out tray 702. The at least onemounting rod 710 may be the at least one handle rod; for instance, theat least one rod may be the first handle rod 501, the second handle rod504, or both the first and second handle rods 501 and 504, as describedabove in reference to FIGS. 5A-5B. Alternatively, the at least onemounting rod 710 may be entirely separate from the first and secondhandle rods 501 and 504. In some embodiments, the at least one mountingrod 710 is coupled to the first and second handle rods 501 and 504. Inother embodiments, the at least one mounting rod 710 is coupled to anitem of luggage but not to the first or second handle rods 501, 504. Theconnector 706 may be slidably mounted on the at least one mounting rod710; for instance, a hole through a part of the connector 706 may fitsnugly but slidably on the at least one mounting rod 710. In someembodiments, the connector 706 is mounted on the at least one mountingrod 710 using a sleeve fixed to the connector 706, the sleeve fittingsnugly around the at least one mounting rod 710. In some embodiments,the weight of the fold-out tray 702 itself, or the weight of an itemplaced on the fold-out tray 702 in combination with the weight of thefold-out tray 702 itself, fixes the position of the connector 706 withrespect to the at least one mounting rod 710 through static friction. Insome embodiments, the connector 706 has a latch (not shown) causing theconnector 706 to remain in a fixed position along the length of the atleast one mounting rod 710; the latch may be any suitable latch toengage a connector to a rod. In some embodiments, the latch may be aspring-loaded bolt or pin mounted in the connector 706 that engages ahole or slot in the at least one mounting rod 710, and which the usermust push or pull out of the hole or slot to enable the connector 706 toslide again; the connector 706 may have an object on its outer surfacethat the user may push or pull to disengage the bolt or pin. In otherembodiments, the at least one mounting rod 710 has an obstruction, suchas a flange, that arrests the connector's movement when it has been slidto the proper height for deploying the fold-out tray 702. The latch mayengage automatically and disengage automatically given sufficient forceby the user, as described below for a latch fixing the first handle rod501 in reference to FIGS. 8A-8E. The connector 706 may similarly beattached to the at least one handle rod 501, first handle rod 501, thesecond handle rod 504, or to both handle rods; the connector 706 may befixed to each or both of the handle rods, or slidably attached to eachor both of the handle rods.

In some embodiments, the position of the at least one rod may beadjusted. In some such embodiments, the connector 706 is affixed (e.g.,permanently affixed) to the at least one mounting rod 710, and theposition of the at least one mounting rod 710 can be adjusted to adjustthe height of the fold-out tray 702 when it is deployed (i.e., when thework surface 702 a of the fold-out tray is substantially perpendicularto the first handle rod 701). For example, in some embodiments, the atleast one mounting rod 710 is oriented substantially horizontally (i.e.,perpendicular to the first handle rod 501 and the second handle rod 504)within the extension handle 500 a, with a first end coupled to the firsthandle rod 501 and a second end coupled to the second handle rod 504,and the positions of the first and second ends of the mounting rod 710are adjustable along the lengths of the first handle rod 501 and thesecond handle rod 504. It is to be understood that a plate or othercomponent suitable for attachment to the fold-out tray 702 may beincluded in the extension handle 500 a in lieu of the described at leastone mounting rod 710.

In some embodiments, the rotation of the fold-out tray 702 into itsdeployed position causes the position of the fold-out tray 702 to becomefixed with respect to the at least one mounting rod 710 on which theconnector 706 is slidably engaged. In some embodiments, the at least onemounting rod 710 has at least one support feature 711 including anupward-facing surface. The upward-facing surface of the at least onesupport feature 711 may be a surface substantially perpendicular to thedirection in which the connector 706 travels on the at least onemounting rod 710; the upward-facing surface may be curved or slanted, aswell. The at least one support feature 711 may be one or more notches,as depicted in FIG. 7G, with the upward facing surface forming a floorof each notch; the one or more notches may be a plurality of notchesarranged in a saw-tooth pattern. The at least one support feature 711may be one or more grooves, as illustrated in FIG. 7H; the grooves maybe substantially horizontal in orientation, such that an objecttraveling down one of the grooves will travel in a mostly horizontaldirection. Each groove may be shaped to admit a member that rotates intothe groove upon the rotation of the fold-out tray 702 about theconnector for instance, each groove may be substantially arcuate. Thefold-out tray 702 may include a member 712 that engages the at least onesupport feature 711 when the fold-out tray 702 is rotated about itsconnector 706 into deployed position; when the member 712 engages the atleast one support feature 711, the fold-out tray may become fixed withrespect to the at least one mounting rod 710. For example, the member712 may be a protrusion that rests on the upward-facing surface when thepullout tray 702 is rotated into its deployed position. As anon-limiting example, as shown in FIGS. 7G and 7H, the member 712 may beincluded in or attached to the connector 706 so that when the fold-outtray 702 is rotated into the deployed position, the member 712 engagesthe at least one support feature 711. The member 712 may be constructedof any materials or combination of materials suitable for theconstruction of the at least one handle rod 501. In some embodiments,when the member 712 is engaged with the at least one support feature711, by resting on the upward-facing surface, the connector 706 cannotslide with respect to the at least one mounting rod 710; as a result,while the fold-out tray 702 is deployed, it will not slide with respectto the at least one mounting rod 710. In some embodiments, where the atleast one support feature 711 is a plurality of notches arranged in asaw-tooth array, the member 712 and notches may be formed so that, ifthe fold-out tray 702 is in its deployed position, the user can move theconnector 706 upward along the at least one mounting rod 710, and themember 712 will travel up the plurality of notches, consecutivelyengaging each notch so that the fold-out tray 702 cannot travel down theat least one mounting rod 710 without being rotated out of the deployedposition (e.g., by the user lifting the distal end 704 of the main panel703 to disengage the member from the notches and then sliding thefold-out tray 702 down the at least one mounting rod 710).

The connector 706 may be constructed to have a range of motionsubstantially limited to 90 degrees; as a result, the fold-out tray 702may be held in its extended, horizontal (i.e., deployed) position by thelower limit of the range of motion of the connector 706. In otherembodiments, the fold-out tray 702 has a brace or reinforcing rod (notshown) that further limits its downward motion and helps to support theweight of objects set on the tray.

In some embodiments, when the extension handle 500 includes a pocket700, the fold-out tray 702 may stow in the pocket when rotated into theposition substantially parallel to the at least one handle rod. Thestowing process may involve rotating or sliding the fold-out tray 702down to stow it completely within the pocket 700, and securing it inplace by closing the pocket 700. In some embodiments in which thefold-out tray 702 does not stow within a pocket 700, the fold-out tray702 may be maintained in its position substantially parallel to the atleast one handle rod by a latch or strap, by one or more magnets, or byfriction. For instance, in embodiments including the first handle rod501 and the second handle rod 704, the fold-out tray 702 may be sized tofit snugly between the first 501 and second 504 handle rods. In someembodiments, the fold-out tray 702 is detachable from the handle portion500 a. For instance, a portion of the connector 706 that is slidablyengaged with the at least one mounting rod 710 may be removable from theat least one mounting rod 710. In some embodiments, the fold-out tray702 is detachable from the connector 706, and the connector 706 may ormay not be detachable from the at least one mounting rod 710.

Referring now to FIGS. 7C-7E, in some embodiments, the fold-out tray 702has one or more leaves 707, each of which has a work surface. In someembodiments, the one or more leaves 707 are joined to the main panel 703by at least one connector 708 that permits the leaves 707 to be deployedfrom a folded position resting on the main panel 703 to deployedposition adjacent to the main panel 703 so that the work surface of eachof the one or more leaves 707 acts as an extension to the work surface702 a of the main panel 703. In some embodiments, where there are twoleaves 707 a first leaf may have a connector 708 having a larger offsetthan the connector 708 of a second leaf, so that the first leaf can reston top of the second leaf when the second leaf and first leaf are in thefolded positions. The one or more leaves 707 may be rigid, as definedabove in reference to FIGS. 1A-1E. The at least one connector 708 maysupport the one or more leaves 707 in their deployed positions. In someembodiments, the fold-out tray 702 includes a lip 709 at the distal end704 of the main panel 703. The lip 709 may fold against the main panel703, for instance, using a connector (not shown), and may deploy to asubstantially vertical position to help secure an object 718 placed onthe fold-out tray 702.

Some embodiments include features to make the tray extendible. In someembodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 7I-7K, the extension handle 500includes a slide member 713 fixed to the connector 706. The connector706 may be attached to the proximal end 705 of the main panel 703 byslidably engaging the main panel 703 with the slide member 713. Theslide member 713 may have a distal end 713 a (shown in FIGS. 7J and 7K)and a proximal end 713 b coupled to the connector 706. In someembodiments, the slide member 713 is a panel. The slide member 713 maybe inserted in the main panel 703. The slide member 713 may be placed incontact with the underside of the main panel 703. For instance, asillustrated in FIGS. 7J-7K, the main panel 703 may have one or moredownward projections 714 having grooves 715 that slidably engage theslide member 713; as a non-limiting example, there may be two downwardprojections 714 having grooves 715 that face each other and are spacedto slidably admit two opposite edges of a panel-shaped slide member 713,holding the slide member 713 against the underside of the main panel 703and constraining the main panel 703 to slide along only one axis. Theslide member 713 may additionally include a stopper 716 that preventsthe main panel 703 from detaching from the slide member 713. The mainpanel 703 may have a stopper contacting member 717 that contacts thestopper 716 to prevent the main panel 703 from detaching from the slidemember 713; as a non-limiting example, the stopper 716 may be located atthe distal end 713 a of the slide member 713, and the stopper contactingmember 717 may be located at the proximal end 705 of the main panel 703.The stopper 716 may be on the underside 713 c of the slide member 713.The stopper-contacting member 717 may be attached to the underside ofthe main panel 703. In some embodiments, the slide member 713 enablesthe length of the fold-out tray 702 to be extended by sliding the mainpanel 703 away from the connector 706 on the slide member 713.

As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the extension handle 500 may be attached toan item of luggage 508. The item of luggage 508 may be a receptacle usedto transport articles during travel. For example, the luggage 508 may bea suitcase, a wheeled suitcase, an attaché case, a duffel bag, abackpack, a bag (e.g., a canvas or laundry bag), a briefcase, an item ofwheeled luggage, or any other receptacle or platform for moving itemsabout. Any material or combination or materials used to make an item ofluggage may be used to make the item of luggage 508, including naturaland synthetic textiles, any rigid materials such as metals, rigidpolymers such as plastic, wood, ceramic, fiberglass, or other rigidcomposite materials, and any flexible or semi-flexible sheets of naturalor synthetic polymers. In some embodiments, the luggage item 508 is acollapsible suitcase 100 as described above in reference to FIGS. 1A-4D.As another example, the suitcase 100 may incorporate the extensiblehandle system 500, and be wholly or partially collapsible or extensibleusing a different structure than the collapsible structure describedabove in reference to FIGS. 1A-4D.

In some embodiments, the extension handle 500 is retractable. Where theat least one handle rod is part of a set of mutually sliding componentsas described above in reference to FIGS. 5A-5B, the extension handle 500may be retractable by sliding the components relative to each other sothat the at least one handle rod reduces in length. For instance, wherethe first handle rod 501 and second handle rod 504 are made oftelescoping sections, the extension handle 500 may be retracted bysliding the telescoping sections so that they nest within one another.In some embodiments, the extension handle 500 is retracted by slidingthe handle with respect to the luggage 508; for instance, the at leastone handle rod may each be slidably engaged on a track on the outside ofthe luggage 508. In some embodiments, the extension handle 500 isslidably engaged inside of the luggage 508, for example, in a chamber ofthe luggage 508. The at least one handle rod 501 may be slidably engaged(e.g., on a track) in at least one chamber of the luggage 508, so that auser can slide the at least one handle rod between a retracted positionin which substantially all of the at least one handle rod is within theat least one chamber, and an extended position in which substantiallyall of the at least one handle rod except for the distal end of the atleast one handle rod is outside of the at least one chamber. The atleast one chamber may be incorporated in the luggage 508. For example,the at least one chamber may be formed within the luggage 508. The atleast one chamber may be separately formed and attached to the luggage508 using fasteners or other means. In some embodiments, the extensionhandle 500 is slidably engaged in a single chamber as described infurther detail below in connection with FIGS. 9A-9D.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8E, in embodiments in which the extensionhandle is retractable by slidable engagement with the luggage 508, atleast one engagement latch may fix the at least one handle rod in itsextended position. For instance, the at least one engagement latch mayinclude a first engagement latch 801 that fixes the proximal end 502 ofthe first handle rod 501 relative to the luggage 508 when the firsthandle rod 501 is in the extended position. Where the at least onehandle rod includes a first handle rod 501 and a second handle rod 504,the at least one engagement latch may include a first engagement latch801 that fixes the proximal end 502 of the first handle rod 501 relativeto the luggage 508 when the first handle rod 501 is in the extendedposition and a second engagement latch 801 (not shown) that fixes theproximal end 505 of the second handle rod 504 relative to the luggage508 when the second handle rod 504 is in the extended position. Asillustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B, the engagement latch 801 may include a pin801 a in a chamber 801 b in the first handle rod 501, or in a surfacepast which the first handle rod 501 slides, which is urged out of itschamber 801 b by a spring 801 c or similar biasing means, so that when acorresponding chamber 801 d in a structure 802 past which the firsthandle rod 501 slides moves opposite the chamber 801 b containing thepin 801 a, the pin 801 a will enter the corresponding chamber 801 d. Thepin 801 a may be rounded at the end that enters the correspondingchamber 801 d, so that a user can push the pin 801 a back into itschamber 801 b against the bias of the biasing means 801 c using thecorresponding chamber 801 d, for instance by pushing the at least onehandle rod back into a retracted position. There may be severalcorresponding chambers 801 d, or alternatively, several pins 801 a atvarious positions along the at least one handle rod or along a surfacepast which the at least one handle rod slides, so that the at least onehandle rod can be secured at various degrees of extension or retraction.Where the at least one handle rod includes first handle rod 501 and asecond handle rod 504, the same engagement latch 801 may secure both thefirst handle rod 501 and the second handle rod 504 relative to theluggage item 508, or multiple engagement latches 801 may be used tosecure the first handle rod 501 and the second handle rod 504. Likewise,one or more engagement latches may engage one component of the at leastone handle rod with another component of the at least one handle rod;for example, where the at least one handle rod is made up of telescopingsections, the one or more engagement latches may fix two sectionstogether so they are not mutually slidable until the one or moreengagement latches have been disengaged.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 8C-8E, the one or moreengagement latches 801 are disengaged by the action of at least oneactuator 803. The at least one actuator 803 may be in the handle portion500 a of the extension handle 500. The at least one actuator 803 maymove in a direction 803 a that is substantially orthogonal to thedirection of motion 801 a of the one ore more engagement latches 801.The at least one actuator 803 may be physically coupled to the one ormore engagement latches 801 so that when the at least one actuatormoves, it causes the one or more engagement latches 801 to retract,disengaging the one or more engagement latches 801. Persons skilled inthe art will be aware of many ways to physically couple two memberswhereby a substantially linear motion in a first direction 803 a by atleast one actuator 803 may be converted to a substantially linear motionin a substantially orthogonal second direction 801 e by a second member801. As a non-limiting example, illustrated in FIG. 8E, a face 804 of anactuator 803 that forms an acute angle with the direction of motion 803a of the actuator 803 may be forced past a surface 805 of an engagementlatch 801 that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of motion801 e of the engagement latch 801, forcing the engagement latch 801 tomove in the direction of motion 801 a. A biasing means 801 c, such as aspring, may urge the engagement latch 801 in the opposite direction andinto its engaged position when the actuator 803 is not being forced inthe direction of motion 803 a.

The at least one actuator 803 may be constructed of any material orcombination of materials suitable for the construction of the at leastone handle rod 501; for instance, the at least one actuator 803 may beconstructed of metal. The at least one actuator 803 may be constructedin any shape conducive for its use in transferring linear motion to alatch 801. For instance, part of the at least one actuator 803 may be arod that runs in the direction of motion 803 a of the actuator from nearthe grip 507 to the at least one latch 801. An actuator 803 may includea rod 803 b slidably contained inside of the first handle rod, so thatthe rod 803 b can slide down within the first handle rod 501 when theactuator 803 moves in its direction of motion 803 a; as the at least onelatch 801 may be set partially inside of the first handle rod 501, thephysical coupling between the rod 803 b set within the first handle rod501 and the at least one latch 801 may also be inside of the first rod501. Similarly, where the handle portion 500 a includes a first handlerod 501 and a second handle rod 504, the at least one actuator 803 mayinclude a rod 803 b set inside the first handle rod 501 as describedabove, and the at least one actuator 803 may include a rod 803 c that isset inside of the second handle rod 504; the rod 803 c may couple with alatch 801 that is partially set inside of the second handle rod 504. Insome embodiments, the at least one actuator 803 includes a cross-bar 803d joining the first rod 803 b to the second rod 803 c; the cross-bar 803d may be located at the end of the handle portion 500 a near to the grip507.

In some embodiments, the at least one actuator 803 is pushed in itsdirection of motion 803 a when a button 806 physically coupled to the atleast one actuator 803 is depressed by a user. The button 806 may haveone or more biasing means 807 urging it into a non-depressed state whenit is not being depressed by a user; as a non-limiting example, the oneor more biasing means 807 may be one or more springs.

The button 806 may be coupled to the at least one actuator 803 by amotion transfer ring 808 that contacts the at least one actuator 803.The motion transfer ring 808 may contact the at least one actuator 803by way of a motion transfer rod 809 that passes through an opening thatconnects the interior space inside the grip 507 to an interior spaceinside the handle portion 500 a. The motion transfer rod may contact theat least one actuator 803. In some embodiments, the motion transfer rodis connected to the at least one actuator 803 by a swivel. In otherembodiments, the end of the motion transfer rod 809 rests against the atleast one actuator 803. As a non-limiting example, the at least oneactuator 803 may have a depression in which the end of the motiontransfer rod 809 rests, so that the motion transfer rod 809 may berotated with respect to the at least one actuator 803 but does noteasily slip off of the at least one actuator 803. The motion transferrod may be connected to the motion transfer ring 808 by a swivel. Themotion transfer rod may rest against the motion transfer ring 808. Insome embodiments, the motion transfer rod can swivel with respect to themotion transfer ring 808 and is fixed to the at least one actuator 803.In other embodiments, the motion transfer rod 809 can swivel withrespect to the at least one actuator 803 and is fixed to the motiontransfer ring 808. Where the grip 507 is joined to the distal end of theat least one handle rod by a swivel 600, the opening may pass throughthe swivel 600; as a result, the grip 507 may be able to swivel togetherwith the motion transfer ring 808 with respect to the handle portion 500a and the at least one actuator 803. Where the grip 507 is joined to thedistal end of the at least one handle rod by a neck portion 605, theopening may pass through the neck portion 605. As a result, the grip 507and motion transfer ring 808 may be able to rotate as far as permittedby the range of motion of the neck portion 605.

The motion transfer ring 808 may be set inside the grip 507; in otherwords, the motion transfer ring 808 may be inside the interior space 507g of the grip 507. The motion transfer ring 808 may have a shape thatcomplements the shape of the grip 507. For instance, where the grip 507is ring-shaped, the motion transfer ring 808 may form a ringcorresponding to the shape of the grip 507, and set inside an interiorhollow portion of the grip 507. As a non-limiting example, where thegrip 507 forms a toroidal ring, the motion transfer ring 808 may have asubstantially circular form, and be inside of the grip 507. Likewise,where the grip 507 is a D-ring, the motion transfer ring 808 may be aD-ring inside of the grip 507, and where the grip 507 is a square ring,the motion transfer ring 808 may be a square ring inside of the grip507. As a result, the motion transfer ring 808 may be free to move inthe direction of motion 803 a of the at least one actuator 803 when thebutton 806 is depressed, while remaining inside of the grip 507, causingthe actuator 803 to move in its direction of motion 803 a. As a result,the user may not see the motion transfer ring, actuator, or latches atall, and the resulting user experience may be that the handle 500 locksin place in one or more extended positions, and becomes retractable whenthe button 806 is depressed. The motion transfer ring 808 may beconstructed of any material or combination of materials suitable for theconstruction of the at least one actuator 803; for instance, the motiontransfer ring may be constructed of metal. In some embodiments, theextension handle 500 includes a rotation lock (not shown) that preventsthe grip 507 from rotating relative to the handle portion 500 a when therotation lock is engaged, and permits the grip 507 to rotate relative tothe handle portion when the rotation lock is disengaged.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9D, the extension handle 500 may include achamber 901 from which the extension handle 500 extends and into whichthe extension handle 500 retracts. The chamber 901 may be incorporatedin the luggage 508 (i.e., within the luggage 508), or it may be part ofor formed by an external component attached to the exterior of theluggage 508 using fasteners such as screws, rivets, hook and loopfasteners, straps with buckles, or any other appropriate fastener, aswould be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Thechamber 901 may have a first end 902. The first end 902 may be at any ofthe side, front, or rear edges of the luggage. The chamber 901 may havea second end 903. The second end 903 may be opposite the first end 902;for instance, if the first end 902 is located at one side of the luggage508, the second end 903 may be located at the opposite side of theluggage 508. The chamber 901 may include a first side 904; the firstside 904 may be parallel to an edge of the luggage 508. The chamber 901may have a second side 905 parallel to and opposite to the first side904. The chamber 901 may have an opening 906 at the first end 902. Thechamber 901 may be closed at the first side 904, second side 905, andsecond end 903. In some embodiments, where the at least one handle rodincludes a first handle rod 501 and a second handle rod 504, the firsthandle rod 501 and second handle rod 504 are inserted within the chamber901 along the first side 904 and the second side 905 of the chamber 901.The at least one handle rod may be free to slide out of the opening 906into an extended position, as shown in FIG. 5A. When in the extendedposition, the distal end 503 of the first handle rod 501 may extend outof the chamber 901 and the proximal end 502 of the first handle rod 501may remain within the chamber 901.

The extension handle 500 may include at least one interior rod; the atleast one handle rod may have a slot that slidably admits the at leastone interior rod. In some embodiments, where the at least on handle rodincludes a first handle rod 501 and a second handle rod 504, the atleast one interior rod includes two interior rods 912 inserted in thechamber 901 along the front 904 and back 905 sizes of the chamber 901.In some embodiments, each handle rod 501, 504 has a slot 913 thatslidably admits one of the two interior rods 912. As a non-limitingexample, there may be a first interior rod inserted in the chamber 901along the first side 904 of the chamber 901, the first handle rod 501may contain a slot that slidably admits the first interior rod, and afirst engagement latch may fix the first handle rod 501 to the firstinterior rod, and there may be a second interior rod inserted in thechamber along the second side 905 of the chamber, the second handle rod504 may contain a slot that slidably admits the second interior rod, anda second engagement latch may fix the second handle rod 504 to thesecond interior rod. The at least one handle rod may be restricted bythe interior rods 912 so that the at least one handle rod can onlytravel linearly by sliding along the rods 912. In some embodiments, theat least one engagement latch 801 fixes the at least one handle rods tothe interior rods 912. Where there is at least one pocket 700, the atleast one pocket 700 may be capable of sliding into and out of thechamber 901 with the at least one handle rod; for instance, when theextension handle 500 includes both the first handle rod 501 and thesecond handle rod 504, the at least one pocket 700 may be confined tothe space between the first handle rod 501 and the second handle rod 504when the pocket 700 is closed.

As a non-limiting example, the extension handle 500 may retract into achamber 901 in the bottom panel 101 of the collapsible suitcase 100. Thefirst end 902 of the chamber 901 may be located at one side edge of thebottom panel 101; the second end 903 may be located at the other sideedge of the bottom panel 101. Likewise, the first side 904 may beparallel to, and near to, an edge of the bottom panel 101, such as thefront edge of the bottom panel 101. The second side 905 of the chamber901 may be parallel to and proximal to the rear edge of the bottom panel101.

The extension handle 500 may be attached to the item of luggage 508 in anon-retractable fashion. For instance, as shown in FIG. 10A, the handle500 may be fixed to the luggage 508; for instance, the proximal end 502of the first handle rod 501 may be bolted, screwed, riveted, orotherwise fastened to the luggage 508. A brace 1000 may attach the firsthandle rod 501 to the luggage, for added stability. The fixed attachmentmay be detachable; for instance, the extension handle 500 may beremovably clamped or screwed to the luggage 508. In other embodiments,as shown in FIG. 10B, the proximal end 502 of the first handle rod 501is attached to the item of luggage 508 by a connector 1001. Theconnector 1001 may be any attachment that allows the first handle rod501 to rotate relative to the luggage 508; the connector 1001 may allowthe handle 500 to be stowed in a position in which it is substantiallyflat against the luggage 508. The connector 1001 may be any kind ofconnector, including, but not limited to, a hinge (e.g., a pin hinge, aliving hinge), a ball joint, or a strip of flexible material attached toboth the extension handle 500 and the luggage 508. A fastener 1002 mayallow a user to engage the extension handle 500 with the luggage 508 sothat the extension handle 500 remains in deployed position while in use.In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10C, the proximal end 502 of thefirst handle rod 501 is coupled to a wheel 1003, and the item ofluggage, which has a compartment for holding items, is attached to theextension handle 500 between the distal end 503 of the first handle rod501 and the proximal end 502 of the first handle rod 501. For instance,the extension handle 500 may be a “dolly” or similar cart-like apparatusto which luggage 508 or other receptacles or platforms for transportingitems may be attached. The luggage 508 may be attached to the extensionhandle 500 using straps (not shown), fasteners (not shown), or any othermeans for attaching one object to another object.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of the disclosedmethod 1100 for collapsing a collapsible suitcase. The method 1100includes providing a collapsible suitcase as describe above in referenceto FIGS. 1A-1E (1101). The method 1100 includes rotating the front panelinto folded position (1102). In some embodiments, this is implemented asdescribed above in reference to FIG. 2A. Rotating the front panel 106may include disengaging the latch 128 as shown in FIG. 2A. The method1100 includes rotating each side panel into folded position (1103); insome embodiments this is implemented as illustrated in FIG. 2B. Themethod 1100 may further include folding a portion of the exteriorcovering 400 up over the side panels, as depicted in FIG. 2B. The method1100 includes rotating the rear panel into folded position (1104); insome embodiments, this is implemented as depicted in FIG. 2C. Someembodiments further include wrapping the lid 406 around the suitcase 100after the suitcase 100 has been collapsed; in some embodiments, the lid406 is secured to the second portion 400 b of the exterior covering 400using the fastener 202.

It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the spirit or centralcharacteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments,therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details givenherein.

1. An item of luggage, comprising: a first handle rod, the first handlerod having a proximal end and a distal end; a second handle rod, whereinthe second handle rod is substantially parallel to the first handle rod;a grip coupled to the distal end of the first handle rod and to thesecond handle rod; a fold-out tray coupled to the first and secondhandle rods, the fold-out tray comprising a main panel, the main panelhaving a distal end, a proximal end, and a work surface; a connectorcoupled to the proximal end of the main panel, the connector permittingthe fold-out tray to be rotated between a first position in which thework surface is substantially parallel to the first and second handlerods and a second position in which the work surface is substantiallyperpendicular to the first and second handle rods; and a pocket coupledto and disposed between the first and second handle rods, the pockethaving at least one flap and at least one fastener enabling the pocketto be closed, wherein, when the fold-out tray is in the first positionand the at least one flap is closed, the fold-out tray is stowed withinthe pocket.
 2. The item of luggage of claim 1, wherein the connector isa first connector, and wherein the fold-out tray further comprises aleaf coupled to the main panel by a second connector configured topermit the leaf to rotate between a folded position in which a firstsurface of the leaf is resting on the work surface of the main panel anda deployed position in which the first surface of the leaf issubstantially adjacent and parallel to the work surface of the mainpanel.
 3. The item of luggage of claim 2, wherein the second connectorcomprises a hinge.
 4. The item of luggage of claim 1, wherein the distalend of the main panel includes a lip.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The item ofluggage of claim 1, wherein the connector is slidably coupled to thefirst and second handle rods.
 7. The item of luggage of claim 6, whereinthe connector is slidably coupled to the first and second handle rodsusing a sleeve fixed to the connector, the sleeve coupled to the firstand second handle rods so that a weight of the fold-out tray fixes aposition of the connector relative to the first and second handle rodsthrough static friction when the fold-out tray is in the secondposition.
 8. The item of luggage of claim 6, wherein the first or secondhandle rod comprises a support feature having an upward-facing surface,and wherein the connector further comprises a member having a protrusionconfigured to rest on the upward-facing surface to fix a position of thefold-out tray relative to the first or second handle rod when thefold-out tray is rotated into the second position.
 9. The item ofluggage of claim 8, wherein the support feature comprises a notch, andthe protrusion has a shape to fit within the notch.
 10. The item ofluggage of claim 8, wherein the support feature comprises a groove, andthe protrusion has shape to fit within the groove.
 11. The item ofluggage of claim 1, wherein the connector is slidably coupled to thefirst handle rod.
 12. The item of luggage of claim 11, wherein theconnector is slidably coupled to the first handle rod using a sleevefixed to the connector, the sleeve fitting snugly around the firsthandle rod so that a weight of the fold-out tray fixes a position of theconnector relative to the first handle rod through static friction whenthe fold-out tray is in the second position.
 13. The item of luggage ofclaim 11, wherein the first handle rod comprises a support featurehaving an upward-facing surface, and wherein the connector furthercomprises a member having a protrusion configured to rest on theupward-facing surface to fix a position of the fold-out tray relative tothe first handle rod when the fold-out tray is rotated into the secondposition.
 14. The item of luggage of claim 13, wherein the supportfeature comprises a notch, and the protrusion has a shape to fit withinthe notch.
 15. The item of luggage of claim 13, wherein the supportfeature comprises a groove, and the protrusion has shape to fit withinthe groove.
 16. The item of luggage of claim 1, wherein the connectorcomprises or is coupled to a slide member, and wherein the connector isattached to the proximal end of the main panel by slidably engaging themain panel with the slide member.
 17. (canceled)
 18. The item of luggageof claim 1, wherein the connector is coupled to the first or secondhandle rod.
 19. The item of luggage of claim 1, further comprising achamber having an opening, and wherein the first handle rod is insertedwithin the chamber so that the first handle rod is capable of being slidout of the opening into an extended position with the distal end of thefirst handle rod extending out of the chamber and the proximal end ofthe first handle rod remaining within the chamber.
 20. The item ofluggage of claim 19, further comprising: an engagement latch configuredto keep the proximal end of the first handle rod within the chamber whenthe first handle rod is in the extended position.
 21. The item ofluggage of claim 20, wherein the first handle rod includes a slot, andfurther comprising: a first interior rod in the chamber, wherein theslot of the first handle rod slidably admits the first interior rod, andwherein the engagement latch couples the first handle rod to the firstinterior rod.
 22. The item of luggage of claim 1, wherein the proximalend of the first handle rod is affixed to the item of luggage.
 23. Theitem of luggage of claim 1, wherein the connector is a first connector,and wherein the proximal end of the first handle rod is coupled to theitem of luggage by a second connector.
 24. The item of luggage of claim23, wherein the second connector is a hinge.
 25. The item of luggage ofclaim 1, further comprising a wheel and a compartment, and wherein theproximal end of the first handle rod is coupled to the wheel, and thecompartment is disposed between the distal end of the first handle rodand the proximal end of the first handle rod. 26-28. (canceled)
 29. Theitem of luggage of claim 1, wherein the connector is slidably coupled tothe first or second handle rod.
 30. (canceled)
 31. The item of luggageof claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener comprises a hook-and-loopfastener, a zipper, a button, or a snap.
 32. The item of luggage ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one flap comprises a first flap and asecond flap, and wherein the at least one fastener enables the firstflap to be secured to the second flap.
 33. The item of luggage of claim1, wherein the at least one flap comprises a flexible material.